The Joys of Juneau II

A Sequel to my 1st “The Joys of Juneau” Post, I (Ethan Stranger) will be discussing more about my recent visit to my hometown of Juneau, Alaska (and how things were slightly different compared to last year).  For starters this year, I went up in May (compared to July last year) & it was nice to reconnect with the roots of the city where I was born, which is Juneau, while I was mainly raised within the Suburban area of Austin, TX. 

Plus from all the commotion that I’ve been dealing with back in Hyderabad (read more about that in my “Hooray for Hyderabad! Post”), especially after my time at the animation academy I was attending didn’t go well as planned, it was nice to return to my birth-home. The first thing that my Grandma & parents & I did was attend this little music festival at the local library (Picture: Bottom Left). We then had lunch at the “Devil’s Hideaway” (it used to be called: The Hot Bite). While they still make good cookie dough milkshakes, they used to make delicious Pizza Burgers, back when it was called The Hot Bite).

My Time in Juneau this year was slightly shorter compared to Last Year (heck, even my time in Sitka was short, read more about that in my “Seeing Sitka” Post). However, I still managed to have fun (did the usual stuff, hiking & exploring downtown, where I usually meet-up with the statue of the famous Dog, Patsy Ann (A Deaf Bull Terrier who still knew when Cruise Ships were coming in before coming into sight) (Picture: Bottom Center)    

Plus (this year while traveling in Juneau), I received the unexpected news that my Former High School Band Director, Mr. C (read more about our friendship in My “Just a Band Director & His Student” Post had taken a vacation to Juneau himself (just 2 weeks before my parents & I arrived; so much for a happy reunion; at least I know 2 variants of Peter Parker (picture: Left & Right) had a (brief yet happy) reunion with their mentors

Turns out that Mr. C was on one of those cruise ship vacation tours, meaning he only got a glimpse of Downtown Juneau (but you know, Downtown Juneau is a nice place to be, there’s always lots to explore & shop for). I wish he would have taken some time to look at/eat Fudge at Juneau’s “Alaska Fudge Company” (think of it like a mini-Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory). However Mr. C told me that he went to a Mexican Restaurant that not even my Grandma (who has spent nearly her entire life in Juneau)  had heard of. It was called V’s Cellar Door. The only Mexican Restaurant I ever went to in Downtown Juneau is the “El Sombrero” & they make good quesadillas). Finally, my new favorite part of Downtown Juneau is the comic shop (surprisingly called “Alaska Robotics Gallery”). You can learn more about them on their website (Click here: https://alaskarobotics.com/). I’m not sure if Mr. C was able to see either place. (He said he only walked by the Fudge Company. I hope next time he visits inside).

(Cue the Candyman music):

Speaking about Cruise Ships (that I mentioned earlier), my late Grandpa (Picture: Bottom Center) was good friends with Cruise Ship Captains (which literally surprised me). He would either take them either out fishing or invite them for a dinner at his place. It was quite amazing how my own Grandpa had made a name for himself in Juneau (as well as being friends with Cruise Ship Captains) 

 (Cue the Love Boat Theme Remix):

(Read more about my Grandpa within my “Worlds Greatest Grandpa” Post) 

Overall (despite the shortage of my time in Juneau this year), I was still able to make every moment count (even with my Parents, Pictures: Top). We also managed to see several wild animals (including this porcupine & bear that were out front near my Grandma’s place).

Both were exciting (yet scary) experiences (as these are wild animals).

The Deer Picture (Picture: Top Center) was taken elsewhere in Juneau (just not around my Grandma's place)

I hope to return to my hometown of Juneau soon. The best part of my hometown is that it allows you to set yourself free from any stress that you are going through. That is what happened with me, after going through some personal trouble, a trip to Juneau was just what the Doctor ordered (and they said New York City sets you free). If there were actual TMNT or Marvel Superheroes living within New York City, then I might take a crack at the big city of dreams again. I went to NYC all the way back in 2008 & it was too much for me. I was young & I hated dealing with the crowds,  and then in 2015, my parents & I were stranded at the NYC airport when our flight was delayed 3 times (forget their phase the city that never sleeps, as I demand sleep)   

(Cue the Native New Yorker Music):

Hope to See you again soon Grandma (Stay Strong )

Plus I have announcement, I will be taking a monthly break from my blog to focus on my upcoming studies at the University of Alaska Southeast (Picture: Bottom Center)

I do promise to return within a Month & a half (or so) with new material.

Ethan Stranger Signs off...for now…but promises to return soon)

(Cue the Music):